Fabric band to join together groups of people

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes fabric bands to join protestors together. The present invention includes a first cylindrical band and a second cylindrical band. Each of the first and second cylindrical bands include an upper rim forming an opening leading into an internal portion and a lower rim forming an opening leading into the internal portion. A connector attaches the first cylindrical band and the second cylindrical band together so that the internal portion of the first cylindrical band is substantially parallel with the internal portion of the second cylindrical band.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to organizing a group of people and, more particularly, to a fabric band to join protestors together.

A protest is an expression of bearing witness on behalf of an express cause by words or actions with regard to particular events, policies or situations. Protests can take many different forms, from individual statements to mass demonstrations. Protesters may organize a protest as a way of publicly making their opinions heard in an attempt to influence public opinion or government policy, or they may undertake direct action in an attempt to directly enact desired changes themselves. Where protests are part of a systematic and peaceful campaign to achieve a particular objective, and involve the use of pressure as well as persuasion, they go beyond mere protest and may be better described as cases of civil resistance or nonviolent resistance. During a large protest, individuals may spread out and become disorganized. Further, certain individuals may branch off from the main protest and may vandalize or start a fight.

As can be seen, there is a need for a method and apparatus to retain organization and prevent civil unrest during a protest.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus comprises: a first cylindrical band and a second cylindrical band each comprising an upper rim forming an opening leading into an internal portion and a lower rim forming an opening leading into the internal portion; and a connector attaching the first cylindrical band and the second cylindrical band together so that the internal portion of the first cylindrical band is substantially parallel with the internal portion of the second cylindrical band, wherein the first cylindrical band and the second cylindrical band comprise a fabric and are sized so that one of an arm and a leg of a person fits within the internal portion.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of connecting a first person to a second person comprises: providing a linking band formed of a flexible fabric and comprising: a first cylindrical band and a second cylindrical band each comprising an internal portion, and a connector attaching the first cylindrical band and the second cylindrical band; securing the first cylindrical band to a first person so that an appendage of the first person is within the internal portion of the first cylindrical band; and securing the second cylindrical band to a second person so that an appendage of the second person is within the internal portion of the second cylindrical band.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a section view of the present invention taken from 4-4 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged section view of an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention shown in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

The present invention includes a crowd control device formed from a fabric material linked together to safely protect protesters or marchers while marching. The present invention helps protestors stay organized during a protest and prevents protesters from getting involved with vandalism and other crimes. The present invention may also help children and senior citizens walk in line while walking together in group.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, the present invention includes a fabric band to join protestors together. The present invention includes a first cylindrical band 10 and a second cylindrical band 10. Each of the first and second cylindrical bands 10 include an upper rim forming an opening leading into an internal portion and a lower rim forming an opening leading into the internal portion. A connector 12 attaches the first cylindrical band 10 and the second cylindrical band 10 together so that the internal portion of the first cylindrical band 10 is substantially parallel with the internal portion of the second cylindrical band 10.

The first cylindrical band 10 and the second cylindrical band 10 are made of a fabric, such as a natural or synthetic wrinkle free fabric. For example, the first and second cylindrical band 10 may be made of leather, rubber such as latex or silicone, polyester, spandex, cotton blends, satin, silk, velvet, wool, and the like. The first and second cylindrical bands 10 include internal portions that are sized to secure around one of an arm and a leg of a person 14. In certain embodiments, the fabric is a flexible fabric sized to snugly fit around one of the arm and the leg of the person.

In certain embodiments, the connector 12 includes is a fabric sheet. The fabric sheet may include a first end and a second end. The first end may be sewn to the first cylindrical band 10 and the second end may be sewn to the second cylindrical band 10 by a stitching 16. The connector 12 may also be made of a flexible fabric, providing give between a first person 14 and a second person 14.

A method of connecting a first person 14 to a second person 14 may include the following. The fabric or linking band mentioned above is provided. The first cylindrical band 10 is secured to a first person 14 so that an appendage of the first person 14 is within the internal portion of the first cylindrical band 10. Then the second cylindrical band 10 is secured to a second person 14 so that an appendage of the second person 14 is within the internal portion of the second cylindrical band 10. The first and second people 14 may secure with other people, thereby organizing a group.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a first cylindrical band and a second cylindrical band each comprising an upper rim forming an opening leading into an internal portion and a lower rim forming an opening leading into the internal portion; and a connector attaching the first cylindrical band and the second cylindrical band together so that the internal portion of the first cylindrical band is substantially parallel with the internal portion of the second cylindrical band, wherein the first cylindrical band and the second cylindrical band comprise a fabric and are sized so that one of an arm and a leg of a person fits within the internal portion.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fabric is a flexible fabric sized to snugly fit around one of the arm and the leg of the person.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector is a fabric comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is sewn to the first cylindrical band and the second end is sewn to the second cylindrical band.
 4. A method of connecting a first person to a second person comprising: providing a linking band formed of a flexible fabric and comprising: a first cylindrical band and a second cylindrical band each comprising an internal portion, and a connector attaching the first cylindrical band and the second cylindrical band; securing the first cylindrical band to a first person so that an appendage of the first person is within the internal portion of the first cylindrical band; and securing the second cylindrical band to a second person so that an appendage of the second person is within the internal portion of the second cylindrical band.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the appendage of the first person and the second person comprises one of a leg and an arm.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the connector is a fabric comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is sewn to the first cylindrical band and the second end is sewn to the second cylindrical band. 